2014 Kings & Kinsmen7-night pre-booked driving Holiday

DAY 1: Dublin City (12km)
Arrive at Dublin Airport. According to the time of arrival, enjoy a tour of the high-lights of Dublin, which could include a visit to Trinity College to view the beautifully Illuminated Book of Kells or the National Museum of Ireland (entry free of charge). Suggested Hotel: Sandymount Hotel in Dublin (3*) or similar

DAY 2: Galway (245km)
Today a sightseeing tour of Dublin. You could visit St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest church, where Jonathan Swift, author of “Gulliver’s Travels“ was once Dean. Stop off at the Old Jameson Distillery (option), situated in the old markets area of the city. An audio-visual explains the process by which whisky is made and this followed by a whisky tasting by all in the "Ball o' Malt Bar". A special tasting is organized to compare the most popular Irish whiskies with bourbon and Scotch whisky. Early afternoon depart for Galway. Overnight: Abbeyglen Castle Hotel (4*) in Galway (Manor House Hotels) or similar

DAY 3: Connemara Region (80km – based on Clifden)
The country of the “Quiet Man “ and “ The Purple Taxi “ - it is an area full of contrast, granite Mountains populated only by sheep with hundreds of lakes forming a fisherman’s paradise. Its stone walls, small farms, thatched cottages in isolated splendour with its heather covered hills creates an unforgettable scene for all its visitors. The route takes us from Galway to the lake dotted centre of Connemara at Maam Cross. The road continues through the colourful town of Clifden. Continue through the Irish speaking low-lying part of Southern Connemara with its countless lakes. Overnight: Abbeyglen Castle Hotel (4*) in Galway (Manor House Hotels) or similar

DAY 4: Galway to Kerry (310km – via Kilrush and Shannon / Tarbert Ferry)
Depart for Kerry and travel through the heart of County Clare - the Burren Region. This is a geological paradise boasting over 2,000 plants and many rare flowers. Continue along the coast of Clare to view the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, which form a 200m wall that plunges into the Atlantic Ocean. Continue through heritage town of Kilrush, crossing the River Shannon by ferry (ferry not included), and into County Kerry. Overnight: in a Bed & Breakfast in Killarney

DAY 5: Ring of Kerry (160km)
A superb tour of the Iveragh Peninsula (170 kms). Taking in spectacular scenery - mountains, peat bogs, lakes and magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean as one travels along the coast road. Leaving Killarney one passes through Killorglin, famous for its Puck Fair, then to Glenbeigh where the cliff road affords panoramic views of the Dingle Peninsula and Dingle Bay. Continuing to Cahirciveen one passes the birth place of Ireland’s National hero, Daniel O’Connell. Passing through the peat bogs one arrives at the sea town of Waterville. Continue to Sneem Village, famous because of its brightly coloured houses. The road continues with superb views of the famous Lakes of Killarney. Overnight: in a Bed & Breakfast in Killarney

DAY 6: Dingle Peninsula and Limerick (245km)
Depart for a tour of the Dingle Peninsula, where films such as Ryan’s Daughter and Far and Away have been made. The Peninsula has an extraordinary number of ring forts, high crosses and other ancient monuments. The area west of Dingle has the greatest concentration of ancient sites in Kerry. This area is also a genuine Irish-speaking area. The landscape here is dramatic, there are striking views of the Blasket Islands at Slea Head. Overnight: in a Bed & Breakfast in Limerick or similar

DAY 7: Limerick to Dublin (225km)
Returning to Dublin today, why not visit Birr Castle Demesne where you can visit the gardens or see one of the world’s largest telescopes? Continue to Dublin and after checking into your hotel on the outskirts of the city, you can complete your tour with a final visit to Dublin’s city centre. Overnight: Sandymount Hotel in Dublin (3*) or similar

3 nights bed & breakfast (either Farmhouse or Town & Country Homes accommodation), 2 nights accommodation in 3 star hotel and 2 nights accommodation in a Castle or Manor House based on per person sharing twin/double or triple room with bath/shower inclusive of service charges